Since 2009, volunteers have completed 10,000 hours of service in Portland parks. That's equal to 1,250 eight-hour work days. To recognize reaching this outstanding landmark and commemorate their successful partnership, PP&R Director Mike Abbaté presented CCC with a golden shovel.

At Wednesday's celebration in Lair Hill Park, Abbaté said, “ten thousand hours is a landmark achievement. The value of this long-lasting partnership is that it gives our parks even more care, and we are delighted that so many CCC graduates and participants get so much out of their work with us. We appreciate them immensely.”

Most of the work was done by volunteers working with Central City Concern's Community Volunteer Corps (CVC), an organization that in total has completed over 30,000 hours of volunteer work in the Portland community. At the event, Emily, a CVC graduate, shared that her experiences working in Portland's parks have helped her enhance her skills, confidence, maturity, and life.

CCC works to provide comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency. The organization serves more than 13,000 Portlanders annually and is a valuable partner to the Portland Housing Bureau.